picnic by the sea

The May bank holiday brought us to the sea. We bumped along in the Landrover until we found our perfect spot next to a wide expanse of sandy beach. We didn't let the ominous clouds stop us. We picnic~ed (in the Landy, as it happened, as of course it rained) rolls with cheese, pastrami and homemade chutney, Golden Syrup cake, apples and tea from the trusty blue camping kettle. After, with wellies on, it was onto the sand to build castles, play rugby catch, take photos, fly kites and generally be whipped by the wind. All that fresh air! We drove home through the hail showers so glad that we'd gone and always so grateful for the sea.

beach

Sometimes those impromptu beach visits are the best. It was a non-raining day so we decided to make the most of it and head to the sea. We put together the easiest of picnics, including a flask for tea-making on the beach (I love a nice cup of tea outdoors!) and off we went. We don't live too far from the sea and of course it being a warmish but overcast Irish summer's day the beach was empty. And the tide was out so that meant lots of sand, a few puddly bits and rock pools for toe dipping and acres and acres of space to run around in...bliss!

September days

We are eating outside as much as we can. We drag the table and chairs, following the September sun, until we find a warm spot. This morning crumpets and syrup with our coffee, children and dogs never very far away. Knowing that the opportunities for outdoor eating will become more limited as the month progresses pushes us to take advantage when we can. Of course there is nothing nicer than an autumn picnic, scarves wrapped around necks, warm boots and coats, soup, sturdy sandwiches and cake, maybe Victoria sponge with hedgerow jam, with a long woodland walk to look forward to or perhaps the apple orchards around Ardress House?